New Delhi/Chandigarh, 28 December 2024: The Supreme Court issued a stern warning to Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha and Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Saturday, stating it would frame contempt of court charges if orders to move farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal to a hospital were not enforced.
Dallewal has been on a hunger strike since November 26, demanding the fulfillment of farmers’ grievances.
During the hearing, a bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia questioned the Punjab government’s inability to comply with its previous order, emphasizing the serious nature of the matter. “Why should contempt charges not be framed against the Chief Secretary and the DGP? This is the logical flow of a contempt case,” the bench noted, addressing the two officials who joined the proceedings virtually.
‘Dallewal Refusing Medical Help’
Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the court that Dallewal was refusing hospitalization, with supporters at the protest site also preventing the police from taking action. “There’s a risk of collateral damage to life and property on both sides—farmers and police—if any attempt is made to forcibly shift him,” Singh argued. “Conciliation has to happen before confrontation. We are saddled with the problem and feel helpless,” he added.
Justice Dhulia responded sharply, describing the situation as “abetment to suicide” and calling it a criminal act. “A life is at stake, and yet the state machinery claims helplessness. This is unacceptable,” Justice Dhulia said.
Compliance Report Demanded
The court, acting on a contempt plea filed by Mohali resident Labh Singh, had earlier issued a notice to the Punjab government over its failure to follow through on the December 20 directive to ensure Dallewal’s medical care. Reiterating the need for urgent intervention, the bench emphasized, “If lawful action faces resistance, you must act appropriately. This is not a matter of disclosing your strategy; it is about saving a life.”
The court asked the Punjab administration to confirm when Dallewal could be moved and whether assistance from the central government was required. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on December 31.
Deteriorating Health Sparks Concerns
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Haryana’s Senior Additional Advocate General Lokesh Sinhal backed the move to shift Dallewal to a hospital, stressing the seriousness of his health condition. Dallewal has been staging his hunger strike at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana.
On Friday, the court had warned the Punjab Advocate General, saying, “If state officials remain ineffective in handling a law-and-order situation, there will be repercussions. This is not about unwanted force; it’s about fulfilling lawful responsibilities.”
Protest Site Complications
Earlier, the court had permitted authorities to decide whether Dallewal should be moved to a makeshift hospital located 700 meters from the protest site. “The Punjab government is responsible for maintaining Dallewal’s stable health. Authorities must decide whether a makeshift hospital suffices or if another approach is necessary,” the December 20 order stated.
With the court underscoring the urgency of medical intervention, all eyes are on the Punjab government to ensure compliance before the next hearing.
